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Orihuela

Orihuela is a large municipality covering an area of 365 km2 and is the historical capital of the VegaBaja. The region can be split into three distinct zones; Orihuela City itself, the surrounding countryside and the coastal area known as the Orihuela Costa.

The countryside areas of the municipality of Orihuela include some 25 villages such as Entre Naranjos, Hurchillo, San Bartolomé and Torremendo as well as the La Pedrera Reservoir (featured separatley).

The Orihuela Costa, the coastal zone includes Dehesa de Campoamor, Cabo Roig, La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, Punta Prima and Villamartin (featured separately).

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Orihuela city is located some 35 km inland from the Orihuela Costa at the base of the imposing Sierra de Orihuela. The mountain range stretches for a distance of 9.4 km with the Peña de Orihuelaas its highest point at 634 m. The Pinar de Bonanza, located on the southern side of the mountain, isa beautiful natural park and a great place for a picnic. It has a number of marked hiking trails to the top of the Sierra from where the views are simply stunning.

The historical centre of Orihuela is packed with museums and religious buildings, the most noticeable one being the Seminary of San Miguel which sits on the small hill overlooking the city. This is not open to the public, but the walk up is well worth it for the views. A visit to the tourist office is a must, you can collect a map and an up to date list of the museums with their prices and opening times.

The Reconquest Museum is very interesting as it houses a collection of costumes worn during the annual Moors and Christians celebrations and offers an insight into this interesting fiesta. The Easter Museum contains many of the floats that are used in the Easter Parades, a fiesta which has been declared as being of National Tourist Interest. The famous civil war poet Miguel Hernandez was born in Orihuela and the house where he once lived is now a museum all about his short life. There are many other museums, churches and buildings to visit and admire such as the Saint Domingo’s School, Sanctuary of our lady of Monserrate, Rubalcava Palace, Museum of Sacred Art, Archaeological Museum and the City Walls Museum. Pop into the Casino with its beautiful tiled patio and see a concert or play at the Teatro Circo.

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Even if you are not a museum lover, Orihuela is still worth a visit. You can enjoy a walk beside the Rio Segura which runs through the middle of the city, discover the Palmeral Park, browse the boutique shops, try the tapas bars, visit the Tuesday or Saturday morning market, shop at the Ociopia Mall or relax in the plazas and soak up the real Spanish atmosphere which Orihuela has in abundance.

There is a modern train station just over 1 km from the historical centre. You can either arrive into Orihuela, parking at a quieter station on the line or catch a train north, to Alicante and Elche, or south to Murcia and then beyond.

Central Pay Car Park 38.084630 -0.944980Ociopia Mall Free Parking 38.087683, -0.954733Use the central underground car park and pay for the length of your stay or park for free at the Ociopia mall and walk the short distance into the centre. Tourist Office 38.086200, -0.945267 For a map and more information about the museums. Seminary of San Miguel 38.087500, -0.947883Walk up to the Seminary for stunning views out over the roof tops of Orihuela. Walk up using the footpath beside the winding road and walk down using the road at first, then go through the small metal gate to the right which leads down to the Museum of the Reconquest.Palmeral Park 38.094217, -0.938183 Constructed during the Islamic period the park is full with date trees between which multiple sports pitches have been more recently built. Teatro Circo 38.085267, -0.943500 First inaugurated in 1907 and then reopened again in 1995 the theatre has almost 1,000 seats and offers all types of shows. Casino Orcelitano 38.085486, -0.944530There is small tiled patio and a cafe inside

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Market Large 38.079463, -0.942642Every Tuesday morning with almost 300 stallsMarket Medium 38.079715, -0.948282Every Saturday morning about 100 stalls set up in the historic centre.Ociopia Shopping Mall 38.087683, -0.954733Parking is free at this small shopping mall. Palacio del Agua 38.087767, -0.953233One summer only outdoor pool, two indoor heated swimming pools and a jacuzzi pool. Train Station 38.078400, -0.944167Parking is in the station car park and is charged according to the length of stay, alternatively you canpark for free if you can find a space in any side street. The station is on the Alicante, Elche to Murcia City line.Palmeral Park Viewpoint 38.097050, -0.946850Viewpoint over the Palmeral Park and parts of the city. Pinar de Bonanza Natural Park 38.100117, -0.974850Natural park on the side of the Sierra de Orihuela with a picnic area, wooden sleeping huts for rent and also the start of hiking paths up the mountain. The park is closed at night and is located on a 'camino' road, so may not be marked properly on your Sat Nav. Exit the N340 where there is a sign for Pinar de Bonanza between the Ramon Transportes and the Carpinteria Decoracion JGQ buildings, continue along the tarmac road which is Calle 'A', turn right into Calle 'B' then left into Calle 'C' at the end of which is the entrance gate to the park. Drive into the park and continue along the road to the huts and parking area.

Bars, Restaurants and ShopsCentral Pay Car Park 38.084630 -0.944980Ociopia Mall Free Parking 38.087683, -0.954733

Annual Fiestas and EventsMedieval Market beginning of FebruaryEaster daily parades between Palm Sunday and Easter SundayMoors & Christians Saints Justa and Rufina 19th JulyPatron Saint Fiesta Virgen de Monserrate (livestock fair) 8th SeptemberGastronomy various tapas routes and gastronomy weeks

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